Eating less is the key to a longer life

THE secret to living longer is not eating so much, it is claimed. Consuming fewer calories slows the ageing process and staves off the onset of age-related diseases like dementia, cancer and Type 2 ­diabetes.

The sooner people begin to reduce their calorie intake, the greater the effect on their long-term he []

Researchers have discovered an enzyme that holds the key to ageing. It counteracts cell damage which triggers age-related disease.

The sooner people begin to reduce their calorie intake, the greater the effect on their long-term health.

Researcher Mikael Molin, of Gothenburg university in Sweden, said: “We are able to show that caloric restriction slows ageing by preventing an enzyme, peroxiredoxin, from being rendered inactive. This enzyme is important in counteracting damage to our genetic material.”

The enzyme is itself damaged during ageing and loses its activity.

Calorie cutbacks increase production of another enzyme, Srx 1, that repairs it.